United Spinal Association and Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) have reached an historic settlement agreement with the City of New York that will vastly improve sidewalk accessibility for wheelchair users and other members of the disability community.

A 2,350-mile walk to raise awareness about the impact of increasingly frequent extreme weather events on persons with physical and cognitive disabilities will kick off on June 21, 2019, the day of the summer solstice.

The tragic death of Malaysia Goodson, who fell down a flight of subway steps holding her 1-year old child, brought out politicians and media, as well as disabled activists, clamoring for more subway elevators.

Bill Fertig was recently elected to the Executive Council of the NASCIC which brings about unified achievements in research, care, cure and policy by supporting collaborative efforts across the spinal cord injury community.

The Executive Council of the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium has been asked to provide input from our spinal cord injured community to help chart the future of funding for spinal cord injury (SCI) research in the next decade.

Join United Spinal in celebrating #GivingTuesday by supporting our mission. Your gift will make life-enhancing programs and services available to people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) in communities throughout our nation.

United Spinal gathered key affiliated chapter representatives in Orlando its annual Chapter Leadership Meeting to strengthen programs, services and outreach to people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders nationwide.

Hurricane Florence is intensifying and could pose a direct threat to the U.S. eastern coastline this week. United Spinal is urging our members and all people living with disabilities in the path of this serious storm to take appropriate precautions. Now is the time to prepare.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury can result in paralysis of the muscles used for breathing; paralysis and/or loss of feeling in all or some of the trunk, arms, and legs; weakness; numbness; loss of bowel and bladder control; and numerous secondary conditions including respiratory problems, pressure sores, and sometimes fatal spikes in blood pressure.
Approximately 12,000 new spinal cord injuries occur in the U.S. each year. A majority of injuries occur from motor vehicle accidents, falls, work-related accidents, sports injuries, and penetrations such as stab or gunshot wounds.

Our Membership Community

Our membership community provides a lifeline for many individuals that are focused on regaining their independence and improving their quality of life––whether they are leaving rehab after sustaining a spinal cord injury, learning to live with symptoms of a spinal cord disorder, or have spent years of frustration coping with disability. We provide members guidance and resources on a variety of topics they are passionate about, such as employment, affordable housing, transportation, health care, home- and community-based independent living, education, peer support, and leisure and recreation.

Ask Us

United Spinal’s Ask Us program connects you with information, resources, and access to our “Ask Us Spinal Cord Central” help center. Browse the Knowledge Books below for answers to your questions. If you can’t find what you are looking for just Ask Us and one of our knowledgeable staff will provide you with answers.